Short Fiction

Literally Reruns-The Devil You Don’t Know by Dave Henson

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Dealing with The Fallen One is one of the oldest story ideas in the book, and yet it still can be fresh. Longtime site friend and contributor, David Henson proves that with a doozy of a new angle in his The Devil You Don’t Know.

Satan shows up as anyone or thing in these tales–Julie Newmar even did a turn as the Horns on The Twilight Zone. But no matter the gender or even species the Serpent materializes as, she/he/it is always portrayed as a witty, duplicitous asshole.

David introduces a similar Lucifer (gotta love all the names Scratch has, no chance of redundancy), complete with a spinning bow tie. But the deal and denouement are one of a kind, and rate high on the Beelzebub meter.

Q: Excellent twist to this one. Did you have the end first and work toward it, or did this evolve in a linear fashion?

Q: When done right, as here, this old tale still works–even though it was already old when Daniel Webster was new. Why do you think that is?

Leila

David’s responses:

Q: Excellent twist to this one. Did you have the end first and work toward it, or did this evolve in a linear fashion?

A: I didn’t have the twist ending in mind as I was writing the story. I knew the devil being, well, The Devil, was going to do something horrible. But the mother’s reaction, even after giving up her soul, came to me pretty late in the drafting. I think I was possessed.

Q: When done right, as here, this old tale still works–even though it was already old when Daniel Webster was new. Why do you think that is?

A: I think demonic tales have been around so long because, whether one believes in the devil, it’s hard to deny the existence of evil. And for some people it’s easier to come to grips with evil if it’s personified rather than lurking unseen within people. For other folks, like the late great Flip Wilson character, the devil’s a convenient excuse.  

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The Devil You Don’t Know

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Published by ireneallison12

8 thoughts on “Literally Reruns-The Devil You Don’t Know by Dave Henson”

  2. David

    I greatly admired the movement in this story: the constant, continuous, swift action that never lets up until the end. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of this narrative. The prose becomes almost transparent in the service of the narrative. That’s a story-telling trick that few can accomplish, and I believe it only comes with much dedication, practice, knowledge, and skill. As for the Satan theme, it seemed fresh probably because of the humor and wit with which it was presented. In PARADISE LOST, by John Milton, Satan’s key feature is jealousy. Jealousy of God’s power, and jealousy of the love Adam and Even have between them (he has the hots for Eve and doesn’t want Adam to be with her). And it’s also important to note that he was God’s right-hand man at one point: God’s favorite angel. In FAUST, by Goethe, Satan isn’t even “evil,” he only causes evil in others. And he’s not upset when Faust escapes and isn’t damned in the end (he isn’t damned because he’s always tried as hard as he can his whole life). Your Satan seemed to reflect some sort of modern, fake, tv-generated, autocratic salesman politician who grins his fake grin all the time and is always giving everyone the thumbs up, and who will pull a fast one on anybody and leave them hanging in a worse position than they were before, including or especially on his supporters. A contemporary twist that was understated and effective. Thanks!

    Dale

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  3. Hi Dave,

    I always enjoy reading more about a writers thought process when writing. The twist has been mentioned and what I think was unique was this wasn’t just a soul taking story, the kid lost out as well!!

    If I may, I would like to add to Leila’s question and ask about the spinning bow-tie. Was this simply the story talking to you or is there something else going on with your thinking??

    It has been brilliant to see you being at the fore-front this weekend. And I’ll just throw in what I’ve said many times to anyone who is reading this – Check out Dave’s work, his imagination is something to behold!!!!

    All the very best my fine friend.

    Hugh

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    1. Hi, Hugh, thanks as always for commenting. The spinning bow tie came out of the story. As I recall, I was trying to add one last absurd and humorous detail before the surprise and deadly ending. All best!

      —David

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  4. I really enjoy these reruns for two reasons – the obvious one being giving me a reason to go back and read a good story by a bloody good writer, such as David is, but also to learn a bit about the thought process that goes into the writing.

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